|
Brushing and Flossing
While brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth,
position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your
gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a
circular motion several times using small, gentle
strokes. Use light pressure while putting the
bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure
that you feel any discomfort.
When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of
all your teeth, follow the same directions while
cleaning the inside of the back teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower
front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several
gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Don't
forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue.
Next you will clean the biting surfaces of your
teeth. To do this use short, gentle strokes. Change
the position of the brush as often as necessary to
reach and clean all surfaces. Try to watch yourself
in the mirror to make sure you clean each surface.
After you are done, rinse vigorously to remove any
plaque you might have loosened while brushing.
If you have any pain while brushing or have any
questions about how to brush properly, please be
sure to call the office.
HOW TO FLOSS
CARING FOR SENSITIVE TEETH
CHOOSING ORAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS
PROFESSIONAL CLEANING
HOW TO FLOSS
Periodontal disease usually appears between the
teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing
is a very effective way to remove plaque from those
surfaces. However, it is important to develop the
proper technique. The following instructions will
help you, but remember it takes time and practice.
Start with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) about
18" long. Lightly wrap most of the floss around the
middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the
floss around the middle finger of the other hand.
To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly
between the thumb and forefinger of each hand.
Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth
using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the
floss or try to snap it in to place. Bring the floss
to the gumline then curve it into a C-shape against
one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum
and the tooth until you feel light resistance. Move
the floss up and down on the side of one tooth.
Remember there are two tooth surfaces that need to
be cleaned in each space. Continue to floss each
side of all the upper teeth. Be careful not to cut
the gum tissue between the teeth. As the floss
becomes soiled, turn from one finger to the other to
get a fresh section.
To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss
using the forefinger of both hands. Do not forget
the back side of the last tooth on both sides, upper
and lower.
When you are done, rinse vigorously with water to
remove plaque and food particles. Do not be alarmed
if during the first week of flossing your gums bleed
or are a little sore. If your gums hurt while
flossing you could be doing it too hard or pinching
the gum. As you floss daily and remove the plaque
your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.
Back to Top
CARING FOR SENSITIVE TEETH
Sometimes after dental treatment, teeth are
sensitive to hot and cold. This should not last
long, but only if the mouth is kept clean. If the
mouth is not kept clean the sensitivity will remain
and could become more severe. If your teeth are
especially sensitive consult with Dr. Kharmouche.
They may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouth
rinse made especially for sensitive teeth.
Back to Top
CHOOSING ORAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS
There are so many products on the market it can
become confusing and choosing between all the
products can be difficult. Here are some suggestions
for choosing dental care products that will work for
most patients.
Automatic and "high-tech" electronic toothbrushes
are safe and effective for the majority of the
patients. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices)
will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not
remove plaque. You need to brush and floss in
conjunction with the irrigator. We see excellent
results with the use of electric toothbrushes.
Some toothbrushes have a rubber tip on the handle,
this is used to massage the gums after brushing.
There are also tiny brushes (interproximal
toothbrushes) that clean between your teeth. If
these are used improperly you could injure the gums,
so discuss proper use with Dr. Kharmouche.
Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses if used in
conjunction with brushing and flossing can reduce
tooth decay as much as 40%. Remember, these rinses
are not recommended for children under six years of
age. Tartar control toothpastes will reduce tartar
above the gum line, but gum disease starts below the
gumline so these products have not been proven to
reduce the early stage of gum disease.
Anti-plaque rinses, approved by the American Dental
Association, contain agents that may help bring
early gum disease under control. Use these in
conjunction with brushing and flossing.
Your periodontist is the best person to help you
select the right products that are best for you.
Back to Top
PROFESSIONAL CLEANING
Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental
calculus to a minimum, but a professional cleaning
will remove calculus in places your toothbrush and
floss have missed. Visit your periodontist, as he or
she is an important part of your program to prevent
gum disease. Keep your teeth for your lifetime
Back to Top
|
